Hunger strike inaugurated in Mussoorie
On Wednesday, a group of fourteen golf‑cart drivers in the hill station of Mussoorie launched a three‑day hunger strike. Their protest is aimed squarely at the municipal administration, which they allege has stalled the reinstatement of cart services and ignored their right to work.
Underlying grievances
The drivers contend that recent municipal moves have deepened an employment crisis. Senior operator Ranjit Singh Chauhan explains that the authorities split the workers’ union into rival factions, undermining collective bargaining and leaving many without income since April.
Key demands
In a memorandum presented to the Mussoorie Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, the strikers listed three core requests:
- Immediate registration of the 2025 golf‑cart fleet allotted by the municipality, which they say will allow the idle drivers to resume work.
- Full implementation of the 2024‑25 rehabilitation scheme designed for rickshaw operators, with a review meeting to guarantee that every eligible worker receives the promised benefits.
- Prompt creation of job opportunities for the cart drivers whose livelihoods have been put on hold.
Threat of escalation
The protesters warned that if their demands are not satisfied within the three‑day window, they will intensify the agitation and turn the fast into an open‑ended strike. They argue that the ongoing suspension of cart operations and the delayed rehabilitation plan are crippling their families’ incomes.
Future outlook
As the hunger strike unfolds, municipal officials are under mounting pressure to act quickly. The drivers have pledged to sustain their protest until a satisfactory solution is reached, emphasizing the urgent need to revive both the cart service and the associated jobs.
